Cocaine

Accused of a Cocaine Violation?

Los Angeles Drug Defense Lawyers Explain Cocaine Charges

The United States is the largest consumer of cocaine in the world where
it is used illegally as a recreational drug. Derived from the coca plant,
cocaine is a drug that works by stimulating the nervous system. This addictive
substance is illegal in most parts of the world unless allowed for medical
reasons. Cocaine can be taken orally, through the nose, or by injection.
It is the most popular in the middle and upper classes and is often used
as a party drug.

According to
California Health and Safety §11000, the mere
possession of cocaine can be punished by time in state prison for two to four years.
If the offender had more in their possession than would be used for individual
use, the penalties will increase. Sale to minors under eighteen could
be punished by up to seven years in prison and sale to school children
up to nine years. Not only that, but if the sale was in the vicinity to
a school, church, daycare, etc., additional years will be added.

Possession with Intent to Sell

According to the California Health and Safety Code 11351, possession with
intent to sell is a more serious narcotics violation than mere possession,
but how does law enforcement determine intent? The investigators will
evaluate the evidence and look for some "red flags" that could
indicate that there was an intent to sell. Listed below are some of those
red flags:

The cocaine was large in quantity

The cocaine was packaged in such a way that would indicate sale

Scales used to weigh cocaine before sale

Large quantities of cash stored at the premises where the cocaine was found

If you were arrested for cocaine possession, a possible defense is that
the cocaine was merely for personal use, rather than
distribution or sale. Another possible defense is that the investigators unlawfully
searched your home or property in order to wrongfully seize evidence.
To learn more about the defenses available to you, contact a Los Angeles
criminal defense attorney from our firm directly.

Contact a Los Angeles drug crime lawyer today!

As state laws are constantly changing, contact a
Los Angeles drug crime defense attorney to learn more about your specific case. Our team at Martinian & Associates
is looked up to because of our commitment to providing aggressive legal
representation to those who were
accused of crimes. We offer a
free case evaluation so that you can see how we could help you and are available twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week. Let us examine the evidence and create
the most strategic defense for you.